Mark in Texas History: Historic oil pumps mark Kilgore’s boom era

KILGORE, Texas (KLTV) - Two landmarks in the middle of Kilgore signify why the city boomed in the 1930s.

The Lou Della Crim Number 1 well blew in on Dec. 28, 1930. That is when Kilgore became a part of the Great East Texas Oil Field.

Pumps manufactured by Allis-Chalmers were first used in West Texas. They were brought to Kilgore in 1931 to move crude oil to Houston-area refineries.

The pumps were in service until 1985. They are estimated to have pumped a combined total of over a billion barrels of oil.

The Allis-Chalmers pumps were recognized with a historical marker in 1986. They are located in City Park at the 600 block of East North Street in Kilgore.